Basically, anybody looking to build and maintain an imperialistic empire on their Nintendo DS should get this game.

Sure, there's room for improvement in the next edition, especially where some of the ground weather effects are concerned, and it'll have to go up against Gran Turismo in 2007, but Race Driver 2006 is simply the best racing sim you can get on the PSP today.

This blood-drenched blast-fest is still one of the most intense games ever made, and twitch gamers looking for a serious challenge won't be disappointed.

With its visual splendor and gratifying, old-school gameplay, this is a fantastic platformer that makes the most of the 3DS. It may test your patience from time to time, but the satisfaction of conquering every last bonus barrel and KONG letter is ultimately worth it.

Because of this, I feel I can forgive the hint of boredom that pops up every now and then. Zenless Zone Zero is an ARPG, but I'm playing it more for the 'RPG' part and less for the action, which is probably why I like it so much. If you're looking for a game to test the limits of your combat prowess, ZZZ isn't it, but if you want to experience wholesome stories in a stunning anime world with over a dozen different side activities, Zenless Zone Zero has got you covered.

It's no "Halo 2," but excellent level design and the infusion of the augmentations into multiplayer via a class-based player structure adds a welcome bit of variety to the mix.

But for more serious pinata fans, as well as newcomers to Pinata Island, Trouble in Paradise is nearly flawless.

All of this together makes for a wrestling game that could easily pin any other grappling contest released in the past few years.

Its most impressive feat, though, is that it throws down the gauntlet and laughs in the face of every competing developer. We're still trying to wrap our mind around this as an indie game, because, in terms of quality, it's on the same level as any AAA shooter out there.

If there's a nit to pick with Gun, it's that it's short. Depending on how much you poke around, you can beat it in anywhere from six to ten hours. To us, that's no problem; we'll take a short amazing game over a long lackluster one any day.

As it did with its reimagining of Modern Warfare, Infinity Ward has used the past as a point-of-reference rather than a blueprint, and the result is thrilling. The MW2 campaign is reliably unrevolutionary, and the multiplayer is bold enough to press against expectations – even if it isn't successful in everything that it tries. Call of Duty is slowly wading outside of its comfort zone, and it's all the better because of it.

Our only complaint is that EA should have let the Legends simmer for a season or two until a compelling, "holy crap this is awesome" way to integrate the greatest players in history could have been dreamed up. To be frank, the Legends detract from the game more than anything else.

What you almost certainly won't appreciate is the fact that multiplayer is ad hoc only and requires both gamers to own the disc - understandable perhaps, but a lost opportunity nonetheless. Still, this is arcade history, perfect for portable play.

And if EA manages to add more defensive options and sturdier motion tracking, Wii could become the best place to play Madden in years.

Far Cry New Dawn might be a spinoff game, but it’s sure to have a lasting impact on what we think of when Far Cry comes to mind.

Alta's reluctance to be in her own cozy game brings a tender and sometimes sharp flavor to an otherwise calming brew of farming and cafe management. Wanderstop is a beautiful and balanced combination of sweet and savoury on the palate of the overworked, exalting the transformative power of tea.

Consider our fingers well and truly crossed, and let's hope that Metroid Prime Hunters is even better.

The Old Blood is very much an expansion of its fun, entertaining predecessor, but doesn't quite pack the same emotional clout. Still, a great FPS worthy of your attention.

Wild Hearts is a worthy competitor to Monster Hunter, boasting brilliantly creative weapons and fearsome beasts to match, scuppered only by an infuriating camera. Omega Force deftly avoids delving into colonist themes, and Wild Hearts is all the better for it .

Pokemon Legends: Z-A offers a true slice-of-life Pokemon experience thanks to its anime-style real-time combat system and wholesome worldbuilding elements. While its single-city setting can sometimes feel a bit samey, Lumiose is densely packed with things to do and discover. This is a world worth getting lost in.

By channelling community feedback into an all-encompassing package, Forsaken finally makes Destiny 2 feel essential again.

Some sort of multiplayer effort would've been appreciated, but even without it, Droplitz strikes us as one of the better original puzzlers of this generation, and is well worth the effort for genre aficionados seeking a definite challenge.

Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred demonstrates that Blizzard Entertainment is following the right path with its ever-evolving action-RPG. The addition of a new region and class breathe new life into Sanctuary, and smart changes to progression and core systems only improve the baseline experience further. The story could have been more impactful, but this expansion still offers a journey worth taking.

Skylanders Trap Team refreshes the toys-to-life magic with new portal tech, charming characters, and engaging gameplay that any gamer can enjoy.

The Last of Us Part 1 is, perhaps more than anything, a gorgeous visual love letter to its biggest fans, not to mention a welcoming set of open arms for the inevitable stream of new ones who will arrive to the game via the upcoming Last of Us TV Show from HBO next year. Judged in isolation, that's far from a bad thing. But in the context of an industry where remakes are continuing to push the boundaries of the art of restoration, Part 1 struggles to escape the shadow of feeling like a bit of a missed opportunity.

Made for those who have devoured the whole of Horizon: Zero Dawn, this DLC isn’t just about upping your game. It’s a rich expansion of Aloy’s world, with flashes of comedic brilliance and narrative depth.

Simultaneously a new Ghostbusters movie and an enjoyable videogame. Rough around the edges, but the superb scripting and unique humour make this a breath of fresh air.

A surprisingly charming Lego-ified version of a PlayStation icon, this action adventure has superb combat and sumptuous, entirely Lego-built environments. Mix in some nice village cosmetic tinkering, great vocal delivery from the returning Ashly Burch, and the fact it's also on Switch and it's a very welcome offering. Sadly it runs out of steam after some 10 hours, so it's short but very sweet.

I happily continue to zip along Gotham, gliding into the night and generally completing various objectives and upgrading skill trees as I see fit. That's after finishing the story, which I could also go back and replay just to make sure I pick up the collectibles in them too. There's just so many little things to do, see, break, and build.

A great game for those out to revisit Dead Rising 2 and those who avoided the series until now. It fixes or at least improves on several major issues with the series, making Capcom's zombie slayer more fun than ever.

Like the rest of the Layton series, it's hard to imagine anyone who likes to use his or her brain not enjoying Professor Layton and the Last Specter. If you liked any of the other games in the Professor Layton series – nay, if you've ever enjoyed one brain teaser in your whole life – The Last Specter will undoubtedly delight.

It's a shame that Blimp: The Flying Adventures has flown under the radar on iOS systems, but maybe an appearance on the PSN might be what it needs to get its gaming wings. Addictive, challenging and very easy on the eyes, Grip Games has crafted a PS Mini experience that deserves a spin. Just, you know, go easy on the gas.

LEGO Rock Band does a great job of tailoring the core rhythm gameplay to its intended audience. And if you've ever been a fan of LEGOs and have even a passing interest in music games, you'll have some fun with these blocky rockers.

We may be decidedly old-school, but there's no denying that it kicks ass getting our game on with the likes of Wilt the Stilt, Oscar Robertson, and dozens of other hoop heroes.

Demonschool makes punching a parade of gloriously grotesque creatures an absolute riot. An approachable tactical RPG with a radioactive amount of style and flair. However, for a game about punching demons in the face, there's not a lot of crunch.

This massive, wonderfully diverse Call of Duty theme park is best enjoyed with a friend (or three). Going alone dampens the fun, but either way it's still worth the price of admission.

An open world racer that gets better the more you play it, revealing a wealth of high-quality racing in a beautiful, technically spectacular Hawaii. While it lacks originality, it is better than Forza Horizon 5 in several ways.

Apollo Justice delivers the same winning formula we've come to expect, throws in some refreshing new twists, and leaves us satisfied yet still eager to see where the story will go.

The thoroughly M-rated adventure fulfills nearly every desire of RE fans, simultaneously fitting the new handheld perfectly thanks to a new episodic approach to storytelling. It's not a huge leap forward for the series, but it does prove that even on a handheld, Resident Evil can still be a good time.

Floodland is a city builder that triumphs because it focuses on its citizens as much as the city. A strong narrative both in its story and in your interactions with the clans means constant decision-making that'll always make you think in a way that city builders rarely do.

While every game isn't a winner, Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection is the best you can do, outside of Japan anyway. At least until the next, even more Ultimate Collection.

A great educational game that children can enjoy with their parents or on their own. The intuitive controls, easy-to-follow story, varied gameplay, and impressive dedication to the tone of the source material make this a great choice for young gamers, especially those who are already in love with the Sesame Street franchise.

If you’re not already a fan, though, you have nothing to worry about. Dual Destinies is the series’ most user-friendly entry yet, offering conveniences such as a conversation log (so you can look for dialogue details you may have missed), a consultation feature (which offers optional hints if you make too many mistakes during trials), and a chapter select that allows you to easily replay completed scenes.

If you're looking for a family-friendly kart racer, this is it. It's super-slick, charmingly funny and exciting to play. Its appeal is universal in the best sense of the word, never being too dumbed down for the hardcore or too complex for the casual.

Though Reaper of Souls' story additions feel too open-ended, the new Crusader class and Adventure Mode go a long way towards revitalizing Diablo's inherently fun and addictive core gameplay.

Madden NFL 20 clears the roster and properly initiates the rebuilding phase for football’s first franchise.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order might take ideas liberally from others, but the result is an endearing adventure that ranks as EA's best Star Wars effort yet.

Monster Hunter Rise is a great adventure, providing fascinating new tools like the Wirebug and walking a fine line between arcade and fast-paced HD gameplay. The Rampages are a neat new addition when used sparingly, but a reliance on online hunts to finish Rise’s story is a puzzling step.

The only real problem with Accent Core is its lack of originality - hence the 8 instead of a 9 - but it's still a fantastic fighting game with one of the deepest fighting systems ever seen and a cast of unique-but-balanced characters that will have you playing until your thumbs bleed.

It could have been much better if only there were more than two modes (deathmatch and team deathmatch) and a couple of maps small enough to play with less than five players, but Prey is still a major blast for shooter fans with strong stomachs.

Exploring is the best it’s ever been in the series, thanks to Lara’s slick animation. Swinging, leaping and climbing from ledge to outcrop to wherever are tense but satisfying, and the frequent checkpoints mean you’re free to try to make that lethal jump without having to do the whole section again.

Solo play is also the best it's ever been, with more boss-like encounters, dramatic in-engine cutscenes, and quests rewards tailored specifically to your class.

Bravely Default is ambitious without being unconventional: an effective, engaging addition to a genre often hamstrung by tradition.

Simple, strategic combat and an assortment of unique bosses make for intense bursts of gameplay that will keep you coming back for ‘just one more go’. And another. And then one more.

Far Cry 3 remains the series’ peak, but Far Cry 4 is a lovely-looking, accomplished offering that suffers from lacklustre writing and an odd lack of purpose.

Squad Command should please most turn-based strategy fans - specially those tiring of the Japanese RPG dominance in this category - while also offering an accessible pick-up-and-play entry for newcomers to the genre.

One can complain that Rhythm Thief and the Emperor's Treasure isn't all that new, but it often takes the portable puzzle-adventure genre to new heights via an abundance of addictive minigames.

World of Warcraft: Midnight is a smart expansion that builds upon The War Within and improves on strong MMORPG foundations. As before, this is an evolution rather than revolution, but I'm excited to see this icon still has room to grow. Small improvements really add up, making me want to spend far more time returning to this world than I expected.

Kinectimals certainly isn't for everyone, but it's pretty spot-on for its target audience. The intuitive Kinect controls take the pet sim experience to a new immersion-amping level, the lush jungle visuals are an eye-pleasing treat, and the fun narrative and sandbox-like environments add some welcome depth to the feed-pet-brush-play genre.

We can whine about how it might not be the best shmup we've ever played, but the best shmup we've ever played probably didn't cost $2, and Commander P. Jefferson's space odyssey is easily worth that to anyone who wants to shoot stuff throughout the universe.

MLB 14: The Show continues to set the gold standard for console baseball, with an excellent single-player experience. Here's hoping that one day Sony will figure out how to get its online modes working.

Tides of Tomorrow is a narrative adventure set in a gorgeous but deadly ocean beset by a plastic apocalypse. Filled with episodic adventures across each island, weighty story decisions are placed within those made by a community of players. At times, this makes it feel like a theme park ride with cast members – but a really good, well-crafted one. Unique, vibrant, and a genuine thrill, this is a stunning journey that'll stay with you.

Building on the already solid (if a little claustrophobic) linear design of previous installments, Call of Duty 3 introduces enough new tidbits to keep even the weariest veterans in the fight.

It paints so beautifully on its canvas that we feel anyone could enjoy that, though we wish the gameplay could always be as grand as the visual design. The combat never falters, but doesn't do enough new, and at times the platforming drags, though that shouldn't deter you from the overall experience.

A mesmerizing, gorgeous achievement in interactive art, and should be experienced by anyone willing to open their minds as to what video games can be.

For hardcore fans, the deep options and completely unique factions will be a revelation. For newbies, it will be a graduation.

Tearaway really is the game Vita has been crying out for. It feels like a bridge between indie and traditional, super-polished AAA game design, something reinforced by both the length of the story and the price. There’s genuine charm and ingenuity here, and my only real criticism is that I want more of it.

Wik: Fable of Souls may not be the most exciting Live Arcade title, but it scratches an action/puzzle itch that few other games can match.

An extremely solid little sidescroller, with intricately designed levels, hidden items you'll love and originality to spare.

While much of the content in Super Swing Golf Season 2 is carried over from the original, it's presented in a way that makes the game fresh and exciting again, and is no longer a chore on the single-player side.

It paints so beautifully on its canvas that we feel anyone could enjoy that, though we wish the gameplay could always be as grand as the visual design. The combat never falters, but doesn't do enough new, and at times the platforming drags, though that shouldn't deter you from the overall experience.

The single-player may be over in a day or two, but you'll spend many more happy weeks and months starting skirmishes or challenging friends online.

A terminally cute game, so while almost guaranteed to suck the kiddies in, it's a tough sell for the trigger-happy Halo crowd. It's also fairly short if your goal is getting every pinata in the game to become a resident in your garden.

Hero-swapping tactics add a unique edge to third-person combat, while humor and heart elevate Agents of Mayhem's typical world-saving fundamentals to memorable heights.

The gameplay, as ever, is absolutely bang on and they've gone the extra mile in making this far more approachable for American Football rookies. You can select Madden's plays, which are demystified by the legend himself.

Crimson Desert is messy, but as you untangle its mechanics and compensate for its flaws, elements of genius and wonder make the experience worthwhile. Take time to leave the beaten path and find out which of its many facets appeals to you, and you'll discover a game that's far better as a sandbox than as a story.

Between its unique weapons, out-there world, and shocking late-game plot twist, there's a lot to really like even as it occasionally reminds you it's a 7-year-old game. They don't make 'em like this much anymore.

Revengeance is unapologetic in the way it indulges your greatest power fantasies, often doing so with such a grandiose display of style that you'll be unable to wipe that ever-present smile from your face. It's fast, flashy, and fun--and it's easy to excuse Revengeance's hiccups when even the simplest battles rival the best cutscenes in any previous Metal Gear.

A commendable achievement, and absolutely contains everything that made the console version great. However, our recurring problems with multiplayer (online and off) and the unavoidable concern of button layout hindered an otherwise amazing experience.

The sense of danger is there, as are the endless arenas for customization, but the best part will always be the characters and their dead-on voice work.

A very strong multiplayer offering tarnished by overly complicated character progression, and a lavish, beautiful story campaign lacking in substance or subtlety.

HeartGold and SoulSilver are undeniable rehashes, but Nintendo’s signature polish and the Pokewalker make it easy to overlook the recycling. It’s hard to argue with a gameplay formula that still manages to be fun 15 years after the fact, but as usual, there’s little here to draw new players into the franchise.

Dragon Ball FighterZ is not only true to its source material, but ranks among the best as a 2D fighting game. How long you stick with it might be entirely dependent on how much you love the series, though.

This is distressingly similar to past Guilty Gear offerings - hence the 8 instead of a 9 - but it's still a fantastic fighting game with one of the deepest fighting systems ever seen and a cast of unique-but-balanced characters that will have you playing until your thumbs bleed. Good stuff.

The beauty of Exit is that it's perfect to play in little, bite-sized chunks (no doubt a side effect of originally being programmed for a portable system). There are loads of levels to challenge, but each one only takes minutes to complete.

For those who loved the arcade hit, this is a long-awaited must-have. But even if you're a newcomer to the series, Beatmania is a fun, rhythmic button-masher that will turn you into a fan.

Despite minor complaints, PES 2018 is undoubtedly top-of-the-table where it counts: the pitch. This is PES back on form.

Constance is a beautiful and enjoyable Metroidvania that doesn't outstay its welcome. Filler free, the game instead throws plenty of well-designed and enjoyable boss fights at you, interspersed with tight, challenging platforming action. It follows the formula too closely to make it remarkable, but what it does it does with charm and flair. And the ending is a 'chef's kiss' moment.

The revolutionary shooter has been adapted to the Xbox 360 in all its archaic glory and, amazingly, is still as fun and visceral as it was all those years ago.

Some sort of multiplayer effort would've been appreciated, but even without it, Droplitz strikes us as one of the better original puzzlers of this generation, and is well worth the effort for genre aficionados seeking a definite challenge.

It may look unassuming, but beneath its well-crafted RTS-lite design, Eufloria speaks to a much more powerful message than many games attempt. It subtly explores the very basic themes that RTSes take for granted, and asks players to find that meaning. In that, it's extremely successful.

Hitman's first episode is a hugely detailed and beautifully made stealth experience with hours of potential. However, be wary if you're not up for replaying the same level to get all it has to offer.

And the multiplayer? It works very well.

Crysis was, and still is, a brilliantly designed shooter that anyone who enjoys FPSes should play.

It's no "Halo 2," but excellent level design and the infusion of the augmentations into multiplayer via a class-based player structure adds a welcome bit of variety to the mix.

Despite continuing gripes about the not-so-perfect controls, ordinary visuals, and screaming fans that you only hear and never see, Tiger Woods 09 shapes up as the best golf title yet for the Wii. There’s plenty to do and just about anyone can grab a club and jump right in.

The best episode of Life is Strange 2, with some lovely character moments, a decent cast, and a welcome twist to the always excellent soundtrack.

CastleStorm offers plenty of tactical elements to please fans of the tower-defense genre, yet it also provides plenty of twitch-reflex action to keep players on their toes.